The Function-Behaviour-Structure Ontology of Design

Abstract

This chapter commences by introducing the background to the development of the Function-Behaviour-Structure (FBS) ontology. It then proceeds with an elaboration of the FBS ontology followed by the situated FBS framework which articulates a more detailed cognitive view. A series of exemplary empirical studies that use a coding scheme based on the FBS ontology is presented that demonstrates both the empirical support for the ontology and its applicability. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion on the role of this ontology and possible developments.